A warning was sent today to East Ayrshire residents taking over services in the area are under extreme pressure due to the growing number of Covid-19 cases.

In recent days, the region has recorded the highest rates of coronavirus infections.

And the virus continues to have a negative effect on East Ayrshire population.

Care officials have admitted that for essential health and community care services there is “growing demand” and staff are under “extreme pressure”.

As a result, they were forced to prioritize “most urgent cases”.

Craig McArthur, Director of East Ayrshire Health and Social Services Partnership, said: “The vaccination and screening programs have been very successful locally.

“But Covid-19 continues to impact our lives.

“It is welcome that many restrictions can be relaxed, but levels of transmission in the community challenge the delivery of health and social care.

“It is important that our communities are aware of the pressures we are currently under and continue to expect over the coming weeks.

“Staff have worked tirelessly since the start of this pandemic to provide life-saving care and support.

“Health and social service staff go beyond the job description every day to care for residents.

“Over the past 18 months, our communities have shown their appreciation for the health and care workforce and have stepped up to support us with direct offers of help, kindness and messages of goodwill. I want to thank everyone for that – our staff, our union partners and our citizens.

“Right now our community services – home care, nursing homes, community nursing, allied health professionals, community hospital and primary care – are experiencing increased demand and strain on staff.

“Our services are extremely extensive.

“In this context, we cannot provide services as we would like. And therefore, we must prioritize the most urgent needs.

“I understand how difficult this is for individuals and families and for our teams who always want to deliver to the highest standards.

“As director of the EAHSCP, I speak to the people of East Ayrshire for a little understanding and patience with our teams who work hard to provide support to our most vulnerable residents.

“We are again asking for your help in handling these requests.

“Please think about which support is right for you. Choose personal care, home remedies, NHS Inform or the pharmacy.

“Only use the emergency room for emergencies.

“If you can help a parent or neighbor with social care needs, please do so.

“When people need essential support, they will receive it. For others, the wait times for help may be longer. The workers will discuss it honestly with you.

“I hope the situation will improve quickly, in the meantime I ask for patience and understanding.”

Mr. McArthur also reminds residents to:

• wear face coverings;
• get vaccinated when offered;
• meet outside and keep a distance from others;
• wash your hands and surfaces often;
• get tested and stay home if you have symptoms;
• get regular tests if you have no symptoms;
• use the Protect Scotland and Check-in Scotland apps; and
• work from home or do a mix of home and office work, if you can.

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